They're urging Minister Catherine Byrne and the government to "adopt a health-led, rather than criminal justice, approach to this problem"

5 Jun 2019

The recent Cannabis Risk Alliance letter, which spoke of a "one-sided discussion about cannabis" and "Ireland being led down the path of cannabis legalisation" has been strongly rebutted by a group of eighteen addiction specialists from Ireland and overseas. Among them is the Dublin-based Dr. Garrett McGovern who also addresses the subject in the current issue of Hot Press.

In the open letter released today, they stress that, "Education is vital but we need to learn how to talk to young people about the effects of drugs and explore why they take drugs rather than continuing to preach the message of 'Just Say No'."They go on to "urge the Government to decriminalise all drug possession for personal use and adopt a health-led, rather than criminal justice, approach to this problem."It's a timely and important counterbalance to the new wave of Reefer Madness that has crept into the drugs debate in Ireland in recent weeks.

Last year, thousands of activists in 261 cities of 92 countries joined arms to promote policies and practices that centre solidarity, reduce harm and protect human rights. The 2020 Global Day of Action is all about accelerating momentum for reform. And, to do so, we need each other.

nternational Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.